Pronunciation: [hˈɔːn flˈa͡ɪ] (IPA) 
The correct spelling of the word "horn fly" is /hɔːrn flaɪ/. The first part of the word is pronounced with the "o" sound as in "hot" or "rock", represented in IPA as /ɔː/. The second part is pronounced with the "ai" sound as in "pie" or "why", represented in IPA as /flaɪ/. The horn fly is a common pest that feeds on the blood of cattle, often causing great discomfort and economic losses for farmers.
The horn fly (Haematobia irritans) is a small, blood-sucking insect belonging to the family of biting flies, known as Muscidae. It is a parasitic fly that primarily infests cattle, particularly domestic cattle, causing considerable annoyance and economic losses in livestock industries.
Measuring around 4-5 millimeters in length, the horn fly is characterized by its dark, slate-gray colored body and distinct long, piercing mouthparts. It is named after its affinity for gathering around the base of the horns, head, and shoulders of its hosts.
Horn flies serve as external parasites, their primary purpose being to ingest the blood of their hosts for nourishment. In addition to the unpleasant itching and discomfort they cause, these flies can also transmit harmful diseases, such as summer mastitis and anaplasmosis, which can lead to reduced milk production and weight gain in affected livestock.
These insects are predominantly active during the warmer months, infesting cattle in large numbers. A single adult female horn fly can lay up to 500 eggs in her short lifespan, which further contributes to their population growth. Commercial insecticides, insecticide-impregnated ear tags, and integrated pest management techniques are common methods employed to control horn fly infestations and minimize their impact on cattle health and productivity.
The word "horn fly" is derived from the combination of two terms: "horn" and "fly".
"Horn" refers to the bony appendages found on the heads of certain animals, particularly cattle. It is derived from the Old English word "horn", which has Germanic origins.
"Fly", as a noun, typically refers to a small flying insect. The term is derived from the Old English word "fleoge", which is related to the Middle Low German word "vliege".
Therefore, when combined, "horn fly" simply refers to a specific type of fly that is associated with cattle, particularly those found near their horns.
